Hauling a 43' gooseneck for personal use

Hello, found the forum while searching around the web for info on CDL requirements and figured this would be a good place to ask a few questions about interstate hauling for personal use.

I have a 2002 F350 Crew Cab Dually and a 43' Deck Load Trail Gooseneck (dual axle 14k GVWR)

I am from Chicago area and travel around the country to car shows and have always pulled my 1980 VW Rabbit Pickup on a single car trailer behind an SUV or small truck. Last year on the way to a few shows it was me and one or two other buddies doing the same thing, Single car trailers behind trucks/suv's so I figured why not get a 3 car trailer and a dually and all ride together. Cheaper fuel, more drivers, less headaches. Or so I thought...

So I talked to a few people who had two car trailers or large race haulers and no one seemed to have a straight answer either way whether or not a CDL was needed.

After hours of research I came to the conclusion that if I stayed under 26,000 GCWR and was not hauling for profit I would be fine. So I ended up with the 2002 F350 (11kGVWR) and a dual 7k axle gooseneck (14k GVWR) (25 GCWR).

Am I right? I will not need a CDL?

Now comes into question DOT numbers and again I think I will be fine without them as I am not a commercial hauler. Am I missing something? Will I need DOT numbers?


The trailer I bought is a flat deck, I wanted to stay away from a wedge to keep the weight lower and hopefully not look as much like a hotshotter.

The typical load will be the trailer (5k) my VW (2k) and two other cars (which will be well under 7k combined to stay under the 14k GVWR)

The owners of each car will be in the truck with me as well as significant others so I am hoping that will help push the fact that I am not hauling for profit.


What does everyone think? Will I be able to fly under the radar? Will I need CDL? Will I need DOT numbers? Will I need to stop at weigh stations? Do I need private not for hire stickers?

Any other suggestions or advice?

 

I read that but it said over 10k and used commercially. So I think I am okay...

 

Thanks CondoCruiser. I do not compete in any shows that have cash rewards so I am okay in that aspect.

I also feel that if a cop does pull me over thinking I am hot shotting and notices that there are 4-6 people in the truck he will have to be in a pretty bad mood to throw the book at me.

I have a friend using the trailer for a show in Vegas next week and he owns a shop so his cars have graphics. I guess we shall see how he does regarding the "sponsorship" and promotion part of things.

He used to pull a 44' enclosed triple axle with his company logo on it all over the country with zero issue and I think that would be worse.

 

I am planning on:

Truck - 9k
Trailer - 5k
VW - 1.8k
Friends cars - 4.8k

I am hoping to stay under 21k loaded. Aiming for 20k.

Ford said the truck can safely pull 12 in the manual. I know people are pulling more but I hope to stay under that most of the time.